Tag: The Lord will provide
Jehovah Jireh–God Provides
Genesis 22:13-14 “And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind Him was a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son (Isaac). So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”
God had given Abraham a son in his and Sarah’s old age. This son was now a young man and God tested Abraham by asking him to offer his only son as a sacrifice on a mountain He would show him. Abraham obeyed God and set out, arriving three days later. He had taken his son Isaac, who carried the wood and he had the fire and a knife. Isaac asked his father where the lamb was for the burnt offering, and Abraham replied that God would provide the lamb. Trusting God, Abraham prepared an altar, placed the wood and laid his son on the altar, preparing to offer him. This is when God stopped Abraham and confirmed that he had passed the test of supreme obedience. God then provided a ram in place of Isaac which Abraham gladly offered with his grateful son.
This is an amazing story which occurred about two thousand years before Christ. It reveals the heart of our Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. God the Father and Jesus planned the provision for man’s greatest need: a holy and complete sacrifice for sin. It is believed that the spot where Abraham offered Isaac is the same location where Jesus Christ was crucified between two thieves. Jesus was God’s only begotten Son and He lived a sinless life in perfect obedience to His Father. He willingly gave His life as a substitute sacrifice for all mankind.
‘If God is for us, Who can be against us? He Who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32
Prayer: Father God, thank You for revealing Your Heart of love that gives what we need most in our pilgrimage here on earth–the gift of Your Son. Because He is “I AM” the Provider, I can ask Him for whatever is my need and bring Him glory by trusting and obeying His gracious provision. Amen.
Day 3–God Will Provide
Scripture reading for April 22: Genesis 22:11-14 “But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”, as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”
God often tests His people for genuine faith and love for Him that produces obedience. In this amazing story from the life of Abraham, the father of faith, we have God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son of promise, Isaac. This was a difficult request but Abraham feared God and also trusted God’s promises to him that through Isaac and his offspring all nations would be blessed. Abraham obeyed God and set out for the place he was to make the sacrifice with Isaac carrying the wood and he the fire and knife. He prepared an altar and laid Isaac on it. As he raised the knife, God stopped him by calling his name. God told Abraham not to touch his son, for he had passed the test of trusting God. Abraham saw a ram caught in a thicket and offered the ram instead pf his son. He named the site, “Jehovah Jireh”, which means ‘The Lord will provide.” It was near the place where two thousand years later Jesus Christ was offered as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.
As responders, we are often called to help in difficult assignments where we don’t fully understand how we will make it through. Abraham’s life lesson for us is that obedience to God is always the best way forward. As we go, God will surely provide what we need when we have obeyed. I have experienced God’s amazing supply numerous times on my journey through life.
Prayer: Father, I am not sure that I could have obeyed Your request to sacrifice my son to you. Examine my heart today and lead me in paths of surrender and obedience to Your will. I am learning to trust the promise of the Name Abraham learned the hard way–“The Lord Will Provide!” Amen.